Former Prime Ministers in Japanese Politics: Power, Influence and the Role of Informal Politics

Date
Monday 17 November 2025

Time
6.45pm

Venue
The Swedenborg Society
20-21 Bloomsbury Way (Hall entrance on Barter St)
London WC1A 2TH
[Map]

Booking Details
Free- Booking essential

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Despite growing international interest in the position and power of the Japanese prime minister, there is little existing research on what happens after these figures leave office. Examining both pre-war and post-war Japan, this talk investigates what Japanese prime ministers have done after stepping down and what influence they have continued to exert.

Based on research in English and Japanese including biographies, memoirs and interviews, this talk examines the specific activities former prime ministers engage in, assessing their motivations and the effect of informal politics in Japan on their successes and failures. Ultimately, the talk answers the simple but often unanswered question of ‘where are they now’ and writes the unwritten post-resignation biographies of Japan’s prime ministers.

Hugo Dobson is Professor of Japan’s International Relations at the School of Languages, Arts and Societies, University of Sheffield.

Karin Narita is Research Associate in Japanese Politics and International Relations at the School of Languages, Arts and Societies, University of Sheffield.

Caroline Rose is Emeritus Professor of Sino-Japanese Relations at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds.

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.

Supported by the Toshiba International Foundation (TIFO)

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